LCATS · 4-Day Summer Intensive

Code Like A NASA Engineer

Four days of competitive programming, AI-assisted hardware builds, and real engineering challenges — taught the way NASA engineers actually work. Python, Java, Arduino, and AI tools from day one.

📅 July 13–16 ⏰ 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM 📍 St. Mary's University

4 days Max 15 students Teams of 3–4 Python + Java Arduino + ESP32 AI tools included

🚀 Register Now View the Program

The Program

Two tracks.
One mission.

Every day runs two back-to-back activities, both in the morning session. Student teams start with an AI-powered coding environment to solve competition-level programming problems in Python and Java — the same problems used in UIL Computer Science competition. They then move to the engineering floor and build real Arduino-powered devices using AI as their design partner. Both tracks run back-to-back each morning — no afternoon session.

Track A · First Session

⌨️ Competitive Coding

AI-guided Python & Java problem solving. UIL competition-level challenges. Teams of three. Colab-based AI tutor with shared access.

Track B · Second Session

🔧 Engineering Challenge

Design and build Arduino-powered hardware using a supplied parts list and AI guidance. Three NASA-themed missions of increasing complexity.

Day by Day

What You'll Build

Day One

Systems Online

AI research team presentations — what is AI and how does it work?
Coding: Python basics — data types, loops, functions, I/O
Engineering: Mission 01 — Mars Surface Monitor (DHT22 + BMP280 + OLED)
Parts kit distributed; Arduino IDE setup

Day Two

Pressure Rising

AI research: machine learning and neural networks
Coding: Python advanced — algorithms, sorting, recursion, UIL problems
Engineering: Mission 02 — Airlock Access Control (keypad + servo + EEPROM)

Day Three

Systems Crossover

AI research: AI in space exploration
Coding: Python → Java bridge — same problems, two languages, key differences
Engineering: Mission 03 — Launch Window Controller (two-player reaction + LCD)

Day Four

Mission Debrief

AI research: future of AI — careers and ethics
Coding: Java fundamentals + competition problems; group challenge
Engineering: Mission completion, demos, and assessment
Achievement badges awarded; advanced students: independent app project

Daily Timetable — July 13–16, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

8:30 – 9:00

🎙️ AI Research Presentations — student teams brief the class on an AI topic

9:00 – 10:30

⌨️ Coding Session — AI-powered Colab notebook, competition problems in Python / Java

10:30 – 10:40

Break

10:40 – 12:20

🔧 Engineering Session — Arduino hardware build with AI design guidance

12:20 – 12:30

📋 Mission Debrief — summary of day's work, questions, badge awards

⏱ Both tracks run morning-only. No afternoon session.

The Details

Two Tracks, Built for Competition

⌨️

Competitive Coding

Track A · First Session

Problems drawn from UIL Computer Science competition archives — actual high school competition questions
AI-powered tutor in Google Colab with a shared Claude API key — no individual accounts required
Teams of three work at their own pace through progressively harder problems
Days 1–2 in Python; Day 3 bridges to Java; Day 4 Java competition problems
Algorithms covered: sorting, recursion, string manipulation, data structures, greedy methods
AI teaches, explains, and debugs — students still have to understand and write the code

Python Java Claude API

🔧

Engineering Challenge

Track B · Second Session

Three NASA-themed missions of increasing difficulty — inspired by real Perseverance rover and ISS systems
Teams receive a parts list and must design, wire, and program the device themselves
AI assistants (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.) are used as engineering partners — not to write the code for you
Structured task cards with checkpoints requiring instructor sign-off at each stage
Roles assigned: Mission Commander, Systems Engineer, Software Lead, QA Officer
Stretch goals and achievement badges for advanced teams

Arduino C++ AI Guidance

Engineering Track

Three NASA Missions

Each mission is a self-contained hardware challenge. Teams keep what they build.

MISSION 01

🔴

Mars Surface Monitor

Build a miniature version of NASA's MEDA instrument from the Perseverance rover. Wire temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors. Display live telemetry on an OLED screen. STATUS flips to ANOMALY DETECTED when readings go out of range.

MISSION 02

🚪

Airlock Access Control

Build an ISS-style airlock security system. Keypad PIN entry, servo hatch latch, and a 3-strike emergency lockout with breach alarm. PIN stored in EEPROM — survives power loss. Change-PIN mode requires authentication.

MISSION 03

🚀

Launch Window Controller

Two students compete to become Mission Commander. Hit the launch button within milliseconds of the window opening. Arduino tracks reaction time, detects false launches, and crowns a winner after a best-of-3 series on an LCD display.

Program Details

What to Know

When

July 13–16

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM each day. Four consecutive mornings.

Where

St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX. Exact building/room details provided upon registration.

Class Size

Max 15 Students

Grouped into teams of 3–4. Grouping is adjusted based on experience level.

Who It's For

High School

All experience levels welcome. No prior Arduino or Python experience required.

What to Bring

Just Yourself

Laptops and Arduino kits are provided. Students may bring their own laptop if preferred. Bring Google Colab access and any AI tools you already use.

Advanced Students

Go Further

Students with an app idea can propose an independent project to the instructor on Day 1.